Is there anyone who knows how to combat "brain fog"?

[TheEscapist]

I assume brain fog (for me I'd call it drowsiness) is a result of a lack of testosterone? Other sites go off into too-highly-in-depth debates on a deficiency of "neurosteroids" being the cause, but I haven't the foggiest idea what that means.

Does anyone understand this symptom better, and/or know how to combat it?

 

[Fanjeera]

It's due to allopregnanolone depletion. You could take progesterone perhaps? But that would lead to other problems.

 

[Primo]

Well finasteride is unbalancing your hormones, so unless you quit the drug, the best thing you can do to combat this imbalance is get to bed early and get at least 8 hrs quality sleep a night, get more rigorous exercise weekly (running & lifting weights) and take a daily zinc supplement

Sleep helps regulate and maintain normal hormone balance, including test levels. Your test levels will plummet with regular lack of quality sleep.

Intense, regular exercise will boost test levels, leading to higher energy levels and less drowsiness.

Taking Zinc 15-40mg a day will help prevent test converting to estrogen, which is the cause of many finasteride related sides.

If you've tried all of the above together, without any improvement, then probably best to quit, works for most people though.

 

[Jacob]

Prevagen...maybe.

 

[Quantum Cat]

Taking Zinc 15-40mg a day will help prevent test converting to estrogen, which is the cause of many finasteride related sides.

.

has this been proven or is it speculation?

I got some zinc supps from Boots but it said take no more than 10mg per day.

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I don't think brain fog is the same things as drowsiness/tiredness. When I first started taking finasteride I got what I assume was brain fog - a kind of spaced-out feeling, but it wasn't the same thing as being tired or drowsy. It only lasted for about 24 hours while my body was getting used to the finasteride

 

[antman]

this is sort of relevant -
i know a few doctors on anti-depressants who got 'brain fog' - their first reaction was to half the dosage, this worked for a one. the others just kept swapping drugs until sides were satisfactory (not interfering with life). i imagine they would take the same approach with finasteride.

 

[Primo]

has this been proven or is it speculation?

I got some zinc supps from Boots but it said take no more than 10mg

Yes it's been proven, zinc is an aromatase inhibitor (prevents free testestosterone converting to estrogen). It's by far the cheapest and most effective supplement for finasteride sides out there.

Most sources say the rda for zinc is 15mg, but most people can safely supplement up to 40mg a day... Problem is of course if you take a high dose long term, it may cause your joints to start cracking up so only use more than 15mg a day when you've got definite sides.

Also take zinc in the evening, when test is at its lowest in the day and your body needs it most

Supplements are just a bonus bit on the side though, your not going to fight the root cause of brain fog using them alone, you need to combine zinc supp with more exercise, more sleep, clean diet, less caffeine etc... to see a genuine difference with sides.

 

[Cob984]

so quantam your brain fog disappeared after some days?
i tried finasteride 0.25mg 2x times and i got god awful brain fog, like my whole head was spaced out numb, and so for obvious reasons im reluctant to continue
cant be a damn retard for the hair

 

[MrBastard]

Supplements are just a bonus bit on the side though, your not going to fight the root cause of brain fog using them alone, you need to combine zinc supp with more exercise, more sleep, clean diet, less caffeine etc... to see a genuine difference with sides.

Less caffeine? Onlything i found about it was this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Health_effects_of_caffeine.png
The way i see it, it is just good to get a few cups a day given you are overall healthy.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caffeine